Programme Support Coordinator – International Volunteering Programme

Placement start date: February 2019
Duration: 4-6 months (negotiable)
Location: Makeni, Sierra Leone

The International Volunteering team is currently recruiting for a Programmes Support Officer for Sierra Leone.

The Role

This position is vital to success and growth of the international volunteer programme, and requires the individual to act as the bridge between Programmes and International Volunteers.

The Programmes Support Officer will act as the immediate Line Manager for all IVs in-country, for the duration of their placements. Although working closely with the international volunteer team, the PSO’s direct line manager will be a member of SCUK Programmes staff.

Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:

• Line-manage volunteers for the duration of their placement, offering day-to-day support and acting as first point of contact for volunteer queries

• Strategically assist the UK IV team to maintain and grow the programme by leading volunteer management in-country

• Communicate programme needs in-country at any given time in order for the UK team to advertise volunteer roles as required.

• Liaise with the UK team to ensure security checks and risk registers are up to date.

• Completing the induction of all IVs upon their arrival, to include orientation, security, safeguarding and code of conduct briefings.

• Ensure volunteers adhere to the Street Child Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policies.

• Match volunteer skills and experience with appropriate programmes work and manage their role-related expectations.

• Liaise with Programmes Team to ensure the above can be done successfully

• Conducting a arrival, midline and exit interviews to give volunteers a formal opportunity to voice any work-related concerns and ensure the IV programme is meeting legitimate expectations. Review and follow up on their feedback accordingly.

• Evaluate impact of every volunteer in-country upon completion of placement, in collaboration with the rest of the team on the ground.

Whilst volunteer management must be prioritised at all times, the coordinator may be required to assist with ongoing research as well as projects delivery. This could include:

• Assisting research and implementation of projects; including travel to field sites where necessary

• Coordinating primary and secondary research at field sites using bespoke methodologies and methods, including appropriate tools for research in communities and other relevant stakeholders

• Supporting monitoring and evaluation of projects to ensure they are on target to reach the outlined timeframes and intended impact

• Conducting literature reviews on assigned issues and proposing frameworks for how the issues can be addressed within the Street Child framework

Applicants must be aware that this is a full-time role that is likely to require you to work beyond usual working hours.

Qualifications

• Interest in understanding and contributing to the development sector, ideally demonstrated by completing an internship at the London or Barcelona office

• Previous experience of volunteering/working in the development sector and working with a local workforce

• Strong academic background

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Professional and diligent in presentation and conduct

• Proven ability to overcome problems in a challenging context

• Independent and capable of proactive work plan management with minimal support

• Flexible and adaptable

• Culturally responsive and respectful

• Experience of managing a team of people is preferred but not essential

Terms

Applicants must be prepared to live in basic conditions. Expenses will be covered and accomodation provided by Street Child. A monthly living stipend will also be provided. A fundraising commitment will be required of the successful applicant, for which support will be provided by Street Child UK staff. A detailed breakdown of financials will be provided for those applicants selected for interview. **